Division of Labour is described as “the specialisation of cooperative labour in specific tasks and roles, intended to increase the productivity of labour.” Adam Smith in his book The Wealth of Nations focuses on the idea of economic growth which is rooted in increasing division of labour. By breaking down large jobs into several smaller jobs, each worker will become an expert in one area of production thus contributing to efficiency.
Potential Problems
The potential problems of this method of production are two fold. Firstly, it can lead to a very dissatisfied workforce. Workers will become indifferent and casual performing the same mundane and repetitive tasks on a daily basis. These experts do not find the tasks challenging and therefore become unmotivated and restive. According to Herzberg's theory workers will also become dissatisfied with issues related to their environment such as company policies, supervision, salary, interpersonal relations and working conditions. Since the beginning of the year various groups of workers have clamoured for improved wage packages, better working conditions and healthier relations with management. However, even if these demands are met our workers need to be constantly motivated in order to create satisfaction. Motivators such as recognition, growth, development and advancement should be evident in the workplace. When environmental issues are addressed then these motivators will promote job satisfaction and encourage production.
The second potential problem usually affects the consumer/customer. Consumers are often left stranded when calls are made to particular organisations for them to be told that their requests cannot be processed because an employee is absent or unavailable. If an enquiry is made if someone else can assist, the usual encouragement is to call back when the worker might be available. A company's entire operation is quickly compromised because of the unavailability of one worker. The idea of cross training should be promoted and endorsed in the workplace. Workers should be encouraged, not only to be experts in their jobs, but to know at a minimum his colleague's job. If these steps are taken it could possibly improve the service that is given to the consumer/customer.
Employers must strive to empower workers in order to have a diverse enabled and motivated workforce.
